Sarah Mukasa on African philanthropy and why trust matters

I was lucky enough to catch up with Sarah Mukasa, Division Director, Women’s Rights at Open Society-Africa, in Entebbe, Uganda, after her plenary session ‘Strengthening an Infrastructure for African Philanthropy’ at the most recent African Philanthropy Network Assembly. Setting up our meeting was a bit touch-and-go because that week Kenya Airways disrupted many travel plans to the conference as pilots went on strike, so I wasn’t sure I would get to meet up with her at all while in Entebbe.

When we were able to cross paths, we chatted about the strengths and gaps in Africa’s philanthropic infrastructure, defining African philanthropy, why trust matters when it comes to philanthropy, and what she is taking away from the APN Assembly.

Ese Emerhi: Let’s start by trying to define what we mean by philanthropy from the African context. Is there a different meaning when we say African Philanthropy or Philanthropy in Africa?

Sarah Mukasa: I understand why we use both phrasing when talking about African philanthropy. If you are just focused on the geographical location, then perhaps you can talk about Philanthropy in Africa. But when you look at a much wider constituency that includes those in the diaspora, Afro-descendant communities from all over the globe, then perhaps African Philanthropy might be more appropriate. I think it’s a political choice and a strategic one, as well, depending on which phrasing you use. But also, it’s a statement of solidarity and understanding about the places we come from.

Addressing complex problems like the ones philanthropy is attempting to solve means we need to look more broadly at the entire ecosystem, the networks and organizations that all play different roles. If we are to be effective in driving positive change forward, then we need well-grounded African institutions ready to play their part. What’s been the biggest obstacle or challenge you’ve witnessed when working with African philanthropic institutions that are positioned to step into more strategic leadership or advisory role? Read more